Jackson is two cool!

Ok, just one picture. Tickles do NOT make her smile...

This bowl aint big enough for the both of us...

Jackson and his "Mimi"

The Elmo cupcake cake... Cool eh?

Mommy helping Jackson blow out his candles

Making valentines for Mommys


Well, we officially have a two year old in our house now.  Jackson is an amazing little boy and it is awesome to see how he is changing.  He has the funniest sense of humor and is up for anything.  He love, loves his baby sister and wants to be a big helper.  Jackson is starting to talk so much more and is now repeating the last word that you say like a parrot.  I have had a little fun with that... He is currently obsessed with changing clothing and accessories.  Jacks routinely walks around the house wearing his church tie, hats or snow boots.  He is starting the potty training process this week and is doing amazing! He goes peepee really well and we are trying to get #2 on the potty also.  I wasn't even going to start potty training, but he was ready and has let me know.  He can easily remove his diaper and I was finding him on the big potty-I guess that children have their own time table don't they?  He even tried to use his little potty seat standing up like Daddy yesterday and got pee everywhere.  Parenting is an adventure.  The other funny thing is that we are trying to teach him to share.  Jacks had tons of kids over on his birthday and was sharing so well, but the week before I was talking to him about sharing alot.  I was eating my lunch and he walked over to me and said ""Mommy, caniafsum?" (Can I have some) I said "No, Jack-Jack, this is Mommy's food" and then he looked at me and said "Share peez".  Well, there you go, you cannot be hypocritical with kids so he got some of Mommy's lunch.  Now he uses the "share" line to get soda and other adult treats. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with this amazing opportunity to parent such a sweet, choice little spirit.  

Will post some pictures of Madilyn later- she will be five months on Wednesday, can you believe it??

Love you all,

Sara

PS. Does anyone have suggestions for dealing with mouthy 14 year olds? I got called to be the young women's second counselor and I am having issues with this one girl in particular who has attitude to spare.  I am praying for love but so far the blessing hasn't come yet...

New Giveaway- Check it out!!

crayon rocks- How cool are these?!?

color in valentines
Ok, so I didn't win the double stroller, an injury I may never recover from, but there is a new giveaway for some cool art supplies for little ones.  Jacks is a burgeoning picasso (trust me- look at my couch and walls) so I am really hoping I win this one!  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

http://inevergrewup.net/giveaway-26-eco-friendly-art-supplies-from-stubby-pencil-studio

Alright, I guess you can enter too.

The Storm of the Century

Well, we survived what Rachel dubbed "storm of the century".  We had a huge ice storm followed by snow which meant Daddy had 2 days off from school which means...playing in the snow! Today Jackson could hardly wait for daddy to get home so he could go outside and play.  He put his snow boots over his pjs, put his hat on and told sister and mommy "bye" cause he was going out.  He was so excited to see Daddy at 4 today!

Jacks and my big girl Madi

My kiddos are getting so big can hardly believe it.  Jackson loves picking up his baby sister and showing her toys.

Blessing Day, Rock Band and Friends in Arizona!

More pics...

Christmas Pics

So I am sooooo far behind but I will now post some pics of the kids at Christmas. 

OK...so check this out!

If I was a selfish girl I would keep this giveaway to myself hoping that I would be the one to win a double stroller.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog and you could win a NICE double stroller.  Looked it up, it retails for over 500 dollars! Wow!  Will post tonight when the wee ones are asleep or tomorrow...

http://inevergrewup.net/giveaway-25-bumbleride-indie-stroller/

A letter to my Daughter

Dear Emma,
Hi sweetheart. Well, this is my second Christmas without you and I find myself awake at two am on Christmas Day thinking of you. I miss you. It is so hard not thinking of all the things that I am missing out on with you. I find myself shopping for your brother and sister and wondering what kinds of things I would be buying for Christmas for you. I would have gotten you a doll house, I always wanted one when I was little and I was looking forward to getting one for you. I made Christmas cookies with Jack-Jack the other day and I know you would have loved that. His favorite part were the sprinkles, but he was so messy about it. You were always so particular about things it would have made you crazy. You would have been a perfectionist about the sprinkles. So many things have changed in our lives. You would be so proud of your little brother. He is such a good boy and so funny. I can imagine you and him playing together. You loved him so much and were so good with him. I think he misses you, he loves looking at your pictures and he knows your name. He points at your picture and says Emma. You would love your little sister. She is alot like you, but definitely her own little person. She looks so much like you as a baby, it is nice to have a little reminder of you around the house. You loved babies and were such a good helper so I know you would have been so excited to have a little sister. She loves to talk and you would probably love to listen. I saw a big sister and little sister shirts the other day and I immediately thought of you. I wonder what you would have thought of the cold and snow and Illinois. I know how proud you would be of Daddy. He is doing so well in school and it is in large part due to you. He wanted to take good care of you and give you all the things you deserve like dance lessons, soccer, new shoes and that doll house. I am sorry I never took you to go see Santa the last year. There are so many things that I would do over. I am sorry I never got your pictures with Jackson. I am sorry that I was not always the mother that you deserved. All I can say is that I loved you more than anything. I was and am so proud of you. You are the light of my life and maybe that is why I miss you so much, especially at times like now. I guess Christmas will never get any easier, but I guess that is ok. It means that we will always miss you and our little family will never quite be complete without you. I made sure to get your name on our family ornament- I probably will every year. Merry Christmas, Baby. I love you and miss you so much.
Love,
Your mommy

Hey there!

Love this picture. She is asleep under here.

How cute is this?!?

What is this on the ground?

Talking to her toys

Madilyn Dee Lines 2 months old

Giving little sister a kiss. How cute!

Bumped his head jumping on my bed. What do they say about monkeys and beds??

Hi guys! Got new pics of the two most gorgeous kiddos ever! Madilyn is such a doll and is starting to be really vocal. She is my biggest talker yet. It is really cute because you can have conversations with her. If you talk, she will talk back to you. Jackson is still...well, Jackson. Cute and rambunctious. It is sooo cold here, my Arizona blood is not used to it yet. We had actual snow last sunday. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I cannot believe how fast the time is flying. I set my Christmas tree up last night and it is glorious! Justin and I got to go out tonight to a law school friends' christmas party. I got to get dressed and put on makeup and everything!! I love my babies but it is nice to get out once in a while and talk to grown ups. That is the main reason I am missing working at the ER. That, and cool stories and gun shot wounds. I know, weird but I really loved my job. Maybe over the summer I will work part time when Madi is a little older and Justin is not in school full time. Well missing all of my Arizona friends and family- Justin and I are so excited to see all of you at Christmas time. Email or call me and leave me comments! Love hearing from all my friends.

Sara out!

PS. Discovered that you can save pictures from others' blog and save them on your desktop. Kind of scary so on that note I removed my naked Jackson pictures. I only realized this because I am making calendars for grandparents and was stealing pictures of my nieces and nephews. Nothing creepy, promise! Stay tuned for pictures with Santa...

PPS. I am happy to report that Justin has finally grown his manly goatee back...Grrr! I love my husband!

Thanksgiving Reflections

My camera is currently at my folks house, so no new pictures but I will put some up when we get back. Don't skip past this post though, you might be mentioned...With Thanksgiving coming up, I am finding myself thinking about all my blessings in my life. Here is the short list:

1. My Husband- Baby, we have gone through more in the last four and a half years than many couples go through in a lifetime. I just want you to know how grateful I am to you. You make me laugh and I love that you know exactly how to make me laugh. You are an amazing father, seeing you with our beautiful children makes me melt. The way you have been so dedicated to doing well in law school is inspiring and I know you do it so you can provide for our little family. I love the way I feel safe when I am in your arms and love how you get me. I am lucky that I get to be with my best friend for all eternity. I look forward to it. Kisses Smoochiekins :)
2. My beautiful babies- I have lucked out with not one but two of the most amazing little girls and an amazing son. Not only are they immeasurably gorgeus and smart but teach me so much about life. I have learned more in the last three years being a mother than in my whole life. I am so lucky that God has entrusted me with his chosen spirits and I hope that I am living up to that. Emma- I struggle to find words to tell you what you have meant to me. I will live my entire life so that I will be worthy to be your mother again. Your bright little spirit has illuminated my life and it is really hard to not be around your little spirit any more. I miss you so much my little chicken and I will never stop loving you. Jackson- You were sent to me for a reason. You have been my sunshine in dark times, and it has been so fun watching you turn into this funny, caring, independent little boy. You are so great with your little sister and you love making us all laugh and smile. I look forward to the future with you and seeing the choice man you will become. Madilyn- You have only been with us for the last 8 weeks, but our family was not complete without you. You always have a smile and coo for your mama even when you are sick. I can already tell what a gentle, loving soul you have. I am so grateful God blessed us with you and so exicted for years of pink and hairbows again.
3. My family-Mom-You are the greatest. You have served as an example of grace and love to me my whole life and I want to be YOU when I grow up. Daddy- You set a high bar for the type of man I wanted in my life. Nothing makes me happier than making you laugh so your belly shakes like a bowl full of jelly. Kamers- Love you. You were my first best friend and taught me about loyalty and love. You have unshakeable faith and it is such an example to me. Ryan- You make me laugh and not take myself to seriously. Dan- It has been fun getting to be your friend as we get older. It is amazing to see what a great Daddy you are and makes me proud to be a part of your life. Cristi- You never let life get you down. You have worked so hard to finish school and have a career to be proud of. I am really proud of you. PJ- You are such an example of integrity. I see the environment you go to school in and I am constantly amazed by how you handle the pressures you face. Keep your testimony strong!
4. My married into family- Rachel- You are not just a sister in law, you have been a sister. I feel like I grew up with you too. I am amazed by the trials you have gone through and how you have not only passed through them, but flourished. You are truly my Indian Spirit Sister. Brianne- I lucked out not only when I married Justin but also when you became part of my family. I treasure your friendship and miss you and my adorable nieces and nephew so much. Paul and Cindy- I have come to appreciate you so much. thanks for all your support.
5. Cute nieces and nephews-in alphabetical order...Brennan, Claire, Devon, Isabella, Lily, Lilly-ok not truly my niece but feels like it..., Nathan. Wish we could see you more...Your cousin's love you! Also mentioned not really niece/nephew but cousin's kids- Jacob and Elara.
6. Fabulous Friends-DeAnna-love and miss you. Miss our girls day outs and Sprinkles cupcakes. Miss our shared love of the Scottsdale mall and your never ending love and support even when I am a bad friend and don't call you. Thanks for being patient with me. Chad and Amber-you have been amazing supports to Justin and I am glad to have your friendship now. (I am limiting this list to those who actually read and look at my blog, plus this is getting really long)
7. Great shoe collection- Oh shoes-through pregnancy and nursing, through gaining and losing that same 10-15 lbs you never let me down like my jeans. You always look good and always fit perfectly.
8. Moose you have been a faithful and loving companion for my whole adult life.
9. A good sense of humor
10. Health-as I sit holding my sick snuffy little girl, I am grateful for 0ur families health-most of the time.
11. New friends
12. Being a natural blonde. Blondes do have more fun. If you aren't one, you will have to take my word.
13. Diet Dr. Pepper-you are there for me after a hard day and you don't give me any additional calories.
14. The gospel-especially the temple
15. My education and career. Not working has made me appreciated how lucky I have been to be able to work in the medical field. It is awesome having the knowledge to be able to assist in healing and saving lives.
16. This country and our freedoms. Pray for our elected leaders-heaven knows, they will need the help...
17. Finally I am grateful to have a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It is difficult to see the plan all the time, but I am grateful for the knowledge that there is a plan. I am grateful for the promises and blessings I can have if I keep up my end of the bargain. I know that we have been guided in our life and I am thankful for the blessings we have recieved.

I just want to let all know how much you all have touched my life. Hopefully you can reflect this week and make your own list. It is amazing how much we all have been blessed with and writing them down makes us realize how much we have. Have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving. Try not to overeat!
Love, Sara

Jackson Lines Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Madilyn Lines Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family name history - Roots

Caution... The cuteness of these pictures might melt your brain. Don't say I didn't warn you!

This past weekend, Jack, Madi and Mommy went to Arizona to visit Baby Nate. We went to get pictures with all the kiddos and had a great time. At Grandma Lines' house we had dinner sunday night and all the cousins got together and put on their halloween costumes. Madilyn is the cutest baby bunny ever and Jackson is a scurvy (cute) pirate. Arrggghh... Just to brag on myself, I made both of their costumes and they turned out really good. I will post some closer pictures of Jackson when we go to our ward Halloween party this week. Hope everyone is having a great week. I am happy to report that after the combination of two antibiotics, tylenol and motrin Jackson's ear infection seems to be finally clearing up. Yeah!!!